The lemon lime philodendron is an indoor plant with bright lime green leaves, as its name suggests. This evergreen trailing plant is easy to care for. The lemon lime philodendron is popular for its year-round show of beautiful leaves and is often confused with the neon pothos, which has a similar appearance.
What Is a Lemon Lime Philodendron?
The lemon lime philodendron, also known by its scientific name of philodendron hederaceum, originated in the South American rainforests. European explorers noticed this plant because of the unique greenish-yellow color of its heart-shaped leaves.They took it back to Europe, where they cultivated the plant and it continued to gain popularity.
Although the lemon lime philodendron grows well in a garden, this plant is most common as a container plant and grows to a height of 12 to 24 inches. Its trailing stems are up to 12 inches long and hang down in a cascade of lively color.
Also known by numerous other names, the lemon lime philodendron is sometimes called:
- Philodendron domesticum lemon lime
- Philodendron cordatum lemon lime
- Philodendron lemon lime
- Golden brazil
- Philodendron scandens lemon lime plant
- Areum
- Lemon lime heartleaf philodendron
- Sweetheart vine
Features of Lemon Lime Philodendron
The lemon lime philodendron doesn’t flower. Its lime-green, almost fluorescent leaves are the most noticeable feature of this plant.
The leaves of the lemon lime philodendron are 7–10 inches long, heart-shaped, and smooth. New leaves are initially yellow with a pinkish tinge and turn bright lime green with exposure to sunlight.
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Scientific name |
Philodendron hederaceum |
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Common name |
Lemon lime philodendron |
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Bloom color |
Non-flowering |
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Blooming period |
Never |
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Foliage color |
Bright lime green |
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Height |
12 to 24 inches |
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Width |
10 to 12 inches |
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Light needs |
Bright indirect sunlight |
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Water needs |
Average |
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Soil needs |
Potting soil |
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Growing zone |
10 |
Philodendron Lemon Lime Care
The philodendron lemon lime is easy to care for and doesn’t have any special requirements. This plant typically has a long lifespan.
Light
The lemon lime philodendron needs bright indirect sunlight. In its natural rainforest environment, this plant receives dappled sunlight under the shade of bigger trees. Indirect sunlight provides enough light for the plant to produce chlorophyll, a chemical essential for plant growth.
Exposure to prolonged direct sunlight burns the leaves and dehydrates the plant. Place a lemon lime philodendron in a room that gets lots of bright light, but position the container a few feet away from the window and out of direct sunlight.
Watering
Both the lemon lime philodendron and the neon pothos need to be watered once a week during summer and once or twice a month during winter. When the top half of the soil feels dry, it’s time to water the plant.
Underwatering causes the plant to become dehydrated. Wilting leaves that start turning brown are a sign of underwatering.
Overwatering is bad for the plant because root rot sets in when the roots are constantly wet. Leaves turning pale yellow are an indication of overwatering.
Temperature
Lemon lime philodendrons need warm temperatures between 65° to 80°F during daylight hours and 55°F at night. While this plant can survive in a constant temperature of 55° to 60°F, the optimum temperature for it to thrive is around 70°F.
Humidity
The lemon lime philodendron and the neon pothos are both tropical plants that are used to high humidity levels.The ideal humidity for a lemon lime philodendron is 40% to 60%. At this level, the leaves are able to absorb enough moisture from the atmosphere.
In extremely dry areas, maintain the correct humidity level by using a humidifier or spray the leaves once or twice a day with a mist sprayer. If the humidity is too low, the plant will dehydrate and die.
Soil
Plant the lemon lime philodendron in loose, well-draining soil that has good aeration and gives the roots enough room to grow. Add some peat moss to commercial potting soil to create the right soil conditions for this plant.
This plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a ph between 6.0 and 8.0. Avoid highly alkaline soil, which causes the roots to shrivel.
Fertilizer
Fertilize the lemon lime philodendron monthly during the spring and summer growing period. During the autumn and winter months, fertilize every two to three months. Use any good quality commercial fertilizer.
Over-fertilizing damages the roots and leaves of the plant. Use the fertilizer at half strength to avoid burning the plant.
Lemon Lime Philodendron Propagation
Propagating the lemon lime philodendron is similar to propagating the neon pothos. Propagation is easy and usually succeeds without problems if the proper methods are used.
Propagating Cuttings in Water
Use a clean, sharp scissors to cut a stem from the lemon lime philodendron. Cut a 4 inch long piece and place the stem in a jar of clean water, making sure that the leaf nodes are under water. Place the cutting in indirect sunlight in a bright room, and change the water every three days.
After two to three weeks, the cutting will start to sprout. Once the new roots are clearly visible, transfer the rooted cutting to a small pot with some potting soil. A new plant will soon start growing.
Propagating Cuttings in Soil
Propagating the lemon lime philodendron directly in the soil is also possible. Take a few cuttings and insert them directly into a pot of prepared soil. Place the pot in indirect sunlight, and water the cuttings every few days.
The cuttings will sprout and take root in the soil. After three weeks, gently pull on the cuttings. If you feel some resistance, you’ll know that the roots have taken. The plant will continue to grow and can be transferred to a larger pot when needed.
Lemon Lime Philodendron Transplanting
After about three years of healthy growth, the lemon lime philodendron often becomes too dense for its container. At this point the plant should be divided and repotted.
Separate the plant into clusters and repot, planting two to three clusters per pot. Place the pots in indirect sunlight and water every few days until the roots have settled. Repeat the process every three years, or when the plants become too thick and full for their containers.
Common Problems When Caring for a Lemon Lime Philodendron
Although the lemon lime philodendron is quite easy to grow, be prepared for some common problems that sometimes arise with philodendron lemon lime care.
Root Rot Disease
Root rot disease is the result of overwatering. When the roots are constantly sitting in wet soil they become moldy and start rotting. Treat root rot by taking the plant out of the pot and cutting off the damaged roots. Rinse the remaining healthy roots under clean running water, and re-pot in new soil.
Look out for these signs that may indicate root rot in your lemon lime philodendron:
- Slow growth rate
- Soft stems
- Yellowing leaves
- Wilting
- Bad odor in the soil
Pests
The lemon lime philodendron is prone to pests, like mealy bug and spider mites. Small white spots on the under-side of the leaves are usually a sign of infestation. Treat these pests with neem oil to eliminate them.
Brown Leaves
Brown leaves are an indication of dehydration. Remove the affected leaves by cutting them off as close to the stem as possible using clean, sharp scissors. Water the plant more frequently to prevent further dehydration. If the plant is in direct sunlight, move it to a more shady spot.
Conclusion
The lemon lime philodendron is a strikingly beautiful non-flowering plant with bright lime-green leaves. A trailing plant that hangs down in a cascade of stems and leaves, the lemon lime philodendron grows on a vine and is suitable for hanging baskets. Philodendron lemon lime care is easy.
FAQs About the Lemon Lime Philodendron
Here are the answers to some common questions about the lemon lime philodendron.
Is Philodendron Lemon Lime Toxic to Pets?
Yes, the lemon lime philodendron is toxic to pets. The plant’s leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals, which cause respiratory problems and affect the lining of the stomach, causing gastric problems. Watch out for breathing difficulties or excessive drooling, and take your animal to the vet immediately if it seems unwell.
Why Have my Philodendron Lemon Lime’s Leaves Turned Brownish?
Brown leaves are a sign of dehydration. If your philodendron lemon lime’s leaves are turning brownish, you’re probably underwatering the plant. Insert a finger into the soil. As soon as the soil feels dry from half way up it’s time to give the plant water.
How Big Does a Lemon Lime Philodendron Get?
Lemon lime philodendron plants reach a height of 12 to 24 inches and a width of 10–12 inches.
Why Is my Philodendron Lemon Lime Dying?
Your lemon lime philodendron could be dying for numerous reasons:
- The plant’s position — The plant may be in direct sunlight and getting burned
- Water — Either the plant is receiving too much water, or it’s being under-watered
- Pest infestation — Insects can kill the plant if they aren’t eliminated
